Garden Gates Direct - Double Metal Gates Measuring Guide

Measuring Guide for Double Metal Driveway & Estate Gates When Fitting Between Brickwalls, Masonry Surfaces or Pre Existing Posts

To calculate the correct size of the driveway gates or estate gates you require, you will need to carry out the following steps as detailed below.

Important Information

If you cannot find a product with an opening size that matches your needs, you will need to order a made-to-measure size. Alternatively, you can use posts or packers to adjust your current space to suit one of our standard-width products.

Ordering Examples 

Example 1 If you have a wall opening of 12ft, you should order the width option that displays "fits opening 12ft".

Example 2 If the opening is 12ft 3", none of our standard size options will work for you. In this instance, you will require made-to-measure double gates.

Essential Knowledge and Valuable Advice

• The width dimensions in the drop-down menu that displays "fits opening" always corresponds to the gap size between your walls or existing posts.

• The "fits opening" dimensions already include the space required for the hinges and latch.

• We recommend taking measurements in three positions (top, middle and bottom). If there is a discrepancy in width, the smallest measurement will be the size you need to use.

• Where appropriate, you can reduce the opening width to suit standard gates by installing wall-mounted metal posts, timber battens or other similar materials. Doing so will avoid ordering a made-to-measure size.

• Ensure that the brickwork is sufficiently good to attach the hinge brackets. Any damage, cracks or other visible defects may lead to unacceptable gate support levels. It could leave it at risk of falling over.

• The "fits opening" dimension does not relate to the physical width of the gates. 

• For products advertised as having "physical height," we have not considered ground clearance. 

• We include 50mm (2") for ground clearance for products with "height once installed" stated in the product's description (it does not include the scrollwork or finials above the top rails).

• If you are reusing existing metal posts, you will need to remove any hinge pins, as they will not be compatible with the replacement gates.

Measuring Guide for Metal Driveway & Estate Gates When Fitting onto New Metal Posts - No Existing Supports Present

Our double gates will require steel posts when you don't have masonry surfaces available. These components support your hinges and ensure your gate's beautiful, sturdy appearance.

​If you need to introduce new metal posts as part of your installation, you should perform the following

Important Details

Don't be concerned if you can't discover a perfect size match. In these cases, you can make slight changes to the spacing of the posts so that you can still choose standard-size gates. If this is impossible, you will require a bespoke size.

Ordering Examples

Scenario 1 Your overall space measures 2538mm, and you wish to order gates with 50mm posts as an option. In this example, you deduct 100mm (the width of 2 x 50mm posts) from the total space of 2538mm to get a "fits opening" size of 2438mm. In this instance, a standard-size option will work perfectly for you.

Scenario 2  Your total space measures 3542mm, and you wish to order gates which can use 70mm posts. In this example, you calculate 3542mm - 140mm (overall space minus the width of 2 x 70mm posts). This means the remaining space between your posts will be 3402mm. Unfortunately, this is not a standard-size option. However, if you can alter the spacing of the posts, this will remove the necessity for a made-to-measure size. If this is not achievable, you will require a bespoke width.

Critical Facts and Invaluable Advice

• The "fits opening" size of the gates you must order is always determined by the distance between the metal posts.

• The space needed for the hinges and latch is always included within the "fits opening" dimensions provided in the drop-down menu.

• The overall width less the thickness of the posts determines the "fits opening" width of the gates you need to purchase.

• You can optimise the placement of your posts to eliminate the requirement for a made-to-measure size. Unfortunately, this might only be viable in certain cases.

• Posts must be set into the ground to the appropriate depth and firmly anchored using concrete, ensuring the post cannot shift in the future.

• Many of our metal posts are undrilled and feature a universal design. This allows you to position the hinges to best fit your particular needs. Pilot holes will be required, and only self-tapping screws should be used (these fixings will not be included with the posts or the gates).

• When you select posts with the "hinge" or "latch" option, the fittings are pre-welded in the proper position for each gate.

• Always choose metal posts of suitable size. The supporting structure must provide the appropriate level of support and be strong enough to resist any loads in every direction.

• Regarding information displayed as "physical height," we have not included consideration for ground clearance.

• For products with "height once installed" stated in the product's description, we include 50mm (2") for ground clearance. It does not include the scrollwork or finials above the top rails.